Exploring Bonsai
Bonsai enthusiasts and beginners often ask, “Where can I see bonsai in person or purchase my own tree?” Experiencing bonsai firsthand is one of the best ways to appreciate the artistry and care that goes into these spectacular trees. Whether you’re exploring world-class bonsai museums, shopping for your next tree at a nursery, or joining a local club to deepen your knowledge, there are countless opportunities to connect with the bonsai community.
In this guide, we highlight some of the best places to see, buy, and learn about bonsai.
Where to See Bonsai
United States
- National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Washington, D.C.
- George Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection, Woodbridge Corporate Park, WA
- Bonsai Garden at the Gardens at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA
- The Golden State Bonsai Federation (GSBF) Collection at The Huntington, San Marino, CA
- Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park, Fresno, CA
- The C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn, NY
- Bonsai Courtyard – Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
International
- Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, Richmond, London, England
- Chi Lin Nunnery Bonsai Garden, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Temple of the Green Pine (Ching Chung Koon), Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, Tokyo, Japan
- The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama, Japan
- Amy Liang Bonsai Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
- Spirited Garden, Jeju Island, South Korea
- Bonsai museums in every major city in China, including the most notable one at the Shanghai Botanical Garden
Where to Buy Bonsai
- Landscaping nurseries
- Bonsai nurseries
- Bonsai club sales/auctions
Specific Locations
- Flower Market, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Railroad Station Market, Taipei, Taiwan
- The Mammoth Auction, Oakland, CA
- Yamaguchi Nursery, Los Angeles, CA
- San Gabriel Nursery, Los Angeles, CA
- Maruyama Nursery, Sacramento, CA
- Bonsai Heirloom
- Bonsai Mirai
- Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery
- Eastern Leaf
- Bonsai Outlet
Bonsai Clubs
Joining a bonsai club is a fantastic way to learn, network, and share best practices.
If you know of an established bonsai club that should be added to our list, please email us at hello@bonsaiheirloom.com. Our goal is to create a comprehensive directory of bonsai clubs in the U.S. and around the world.
California
For a comprehensive listing of bonsai clubs in California, visit Golden Golden State Bonsai Foundation.
About Bonsai Heirloom
We document bonsai transformations and the philosophy behind them. If you’re feeling inspired to begin your own bonsai journey, consider adopting a bonsai from our curated collection. Each tree is hand-selected, artistically shaped, and ready to grow with you.